Magnus is confident of U's survival

Magnus Okuonghae has insisted Colchester United can avoid relegation this season – despite their disastrous defeat against Tranmere Rovers.

The U’s were thrashed 5-1 by Rovers and are three points adrift of safety in the League One relegation zone, with 13 games to go.

Colchester’s players looked shell-shocked at the final whistle, following their joint heaviest defeat of the season.

But ahead of their home game against in-form Yeovil Town tomorrow night, defender Okuonghae said the U’s must believe that they can stay in the third tier despite suffering their third defeat in four matches.

Okuonghae said: “We just have to work hard and get ourselves out of this situation that we’re in.

“We have to learn from it and we have to learn fast.

“Once you’re down there, it’s very difficult to get out of it.

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“But we believe that we have enough to get out of the situation that we’re in."

For more reaction to the U's defeat against Tranmere Rovers, along with a full match report and pictures from the game, see Monday's Gazette.

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Comments (12)

Players or managememt comments, dont mean a thing to me any more Magnus. The majority of supporters including myself are still smarting from Saturdays defeat but like most loyal supporters we will recover and be at the game on Tuesday.

Players or managememt comments, dont mean a thing to me any more Magnus. The majority of supporters including myself are still smarting from Saturdays defeat but like most loyal supporters we will recover and be at the game on Tuesday.crazy comments

Players or managememt comments, dont mean a thing to me any more Magnus. The majority of supporters including myself are still smarting from Saturdays defeat but like most loyal supporters we will recover and be at the game on Tuesday.

Score: 0

totallyfootball says...10:01am Mon 25 Feb 13

Wake up you deluded dreamer!

Wake up you deluded dreamer!totallyfootball

Wake up you deluded dreamer!

Score: 0

super waluigi says...11:05am Mon 25 Feb 13

What more could Magnus have said???? It looks terrible right now. But we do have a game in hand over Scunthorpe. Should we lose on Tuesday and be 3 points from safety, and be square on games to go, I would fear the worst. Should we win against Yeovil we would give ourselves a massive boost ahead of the next 12 games. Lets not give up yet.

What more could Magnus have said????
It looks terrible right now. But we do have a game in hand over Scunthorpe. Should we lose on Tuesday and be 3 points from safety, and be square on games to go, I would fear the worst. Should we win against Yeovil we would give ourselves a massive boost ahead of the next 12 games.
Lets not give up yet.super waluigi

What more could Magnus have said???? It looks terrible right now. But we do have a game in hand over Scunthorpe. Should we lose on Tuesday and be 3 points from safety, and be square on games to go, I would fear the worst. Should we win against Yeovil we would give ourselves a massive boost ahead of the next 12 games. Lets not give up yet.

Score: 0

NomoreWHCS4me says...4:08pm Mon 25 Feb 13

Heard it all before Magnus - give it up my son.

Heard it all before Magnus - give it up my son.NomoreWHCS4me

Heard it all before Magnus - give it up my son.

Score: 0

Hatpeg says...4:15pm Mon 25 Feb 13

He was also confident that a bigger club would come in for him - but it didn't happen.

He was also confident that a bigger club would come in for him - but it didn't happen.Hatpeg

He was also confident that a bigger club would come in for him - but it didn't happen.

Score: 0

Eddy D says...8:36pm Mon 25 Feb 13

Have to say I'm with super here. What else can he say? Who knows what he has said internally or privately? None of us know for sure. If he came out and slated the club or the performance for one it wouldnt be reported anyway and two it would decimate even further the fragility we already have. Rightly or wrongly staying positive and talking things up is necessary. If they have belief then it may just see us through yet. Who knows what is going to happen. It is very possible we get relegated, likely even looking at it black and white but let's not give up yet. Let's see it through and make our opinions known at the end of the season. A change of management now would be certain relegation and more upheaval. Stability now is key even if we do go down. Some roots need to be put down now and you will find no pair who care more than JD and MK. I too have been left scratching my head on numerous times this season and yes, it is just words from Magnus at this point but would we rather hear him say he DOESN'T believe? I don't want to be hearing that. Bring on the freezing cold, windy, bitter WHCS tommorow and, hopefully, a performance (and more importantly a result) that keeps the bitterness at bay!

Have to say I'm with super here. What else can he say? Who knows what he has said internally or privately? None of us know for sure. If he came out and slated the club or the performance for one it wouldnt be reported anyway and two it would decimate even further the fragility we already have.
Rightly or wrongly staying positive and talking things up is necessary. If they have belief then it may just see us through yet. Who knows what is going to happen. It is very possible we get relegated, likely even looking at it black and white but let's not give up yet. Let's see it through and make our opinions known at the end of the season. A change of management now would be certain relegation and more upheaval. Stability now is key even if we do go down. Some roots need to be put down now and you will find no pair who care more than JD and MK.
I too have been left scratching my head on numerous times this season and yes, it is just words from Magnus at this point but would we rather hear him say he DOESN'T believe? I don't want to be hearing that. Bring on the freezing cold, windy, bitter WHCS tommorow and, hopefully, a performance (and more importantly a result) that keeps the bitterness at bay!Eddy D

Have to say I'm with super here. What else can he say? Who knows what he has said internally or privately? None of us know for sure. If he came out and slated the club or the performance for one it wouldnt be reported anyway and two it would decimate even further the fragility we already have. Rightly or wrongly staying positive and talking things up is necessary. If they have belief then it may just see us through yet. Who knows what is going to happen. It is very possible we get relegated, likely even looking at it black and white but let's not give up yet. Let's see it through and make our opinions known at the end of the season. A change of management now would be certain relegation and more upheaval. Stability now is key even if we do go down. Some roots need to be put down now and you will find no pair who care more than JD and MK. I too have been left scratching my head on numerous times this season and yes, it is just words from Magnus at this point but would we rather hear him say he DOESN'T believe? I don't want to be hearing that. Bring on the freezing cold, windy, bitter WHCS tommorow and, hopefully, a performance (and more importantly a result) that keeps the bitterness at bay!

Score: 0

Steve86 says...12:49am Tue 26 Feb 13

I personally feel that the squad would benefit with Magnus the beast in defensive midfield. I say... Place Eastman back in defence, Wright with Magnus in midfield. Clifford down one wing, Massey down the other. Drop Porter. I don't know if you guys agree, but I reckon this will work.

I personally feel that the squad would benefit with Magnus the beast in defensive midfield. I say... Place Eastman back in defence, Wright with Magnus in midfield. Clifford down one wing, Massey down the other. Drop Porter. I don't know if you guys agree, but I reckon this will work.Steve86

I personally feel that the squad would benefit with Magnus the beast in defensive midfield. I say... Place Eastman back in defence, Wright with Magnus in midfield. Clifford down one wing, Massey down the other. Drop Porter. I don't know if you guys agree, but I reckon this will work.

Score: 0

Boris says...1:14am Tue 26 Feb 13

Magnus should keep his mouth shut and let his feet do the talking. In fact, Joe Dunne should order his players to refuse to speak to the press.

Magnus should keep his mouth shut and let his feet do the talking. In fact, Joe Dunne should order his players to refuse to speak to the press.Boris

Magnus should keep his mouth shut and let his feet do the talking. In fact, Joe Dunne should order his players to refuse to speak to the press.

Score: 0

U'sforever says...10:39am Tue 26 Feb 13

You so called supporters sicken me with some of the comments you post on here. What rob Cowling has put in place at Tiptree, the nursery beds that will keep Colchester united fc a professional self funding football league club for the future Football loving folk of the town. When you look back at football history most clubs have to drop a league or two to regroup and start a new chapter in their history. Colchester are in this transition and dropping down to league 2 is going to be part of that. The appointment of Joe Dunne was finantuly the best option for the club he has been here for a number of years, knows the squad of players that Ward left, and has had to work within the restraints of the club and the football league rules. So while relegation is painful look at it as the start of a new beginning, Rob Cowling is building our club from the roots up, the nursery beds are now in place youth training, first team places, selling the talent on will keep Colchester football club solvent and free from administration. This is the only way I can see Colchester united surviving as a professional football club going forward in the 21st century. So take a look at the bigger picture that Rob cowling is trying to achieve, and get behind the players and Joe Dunne, his job is hard enough. Up the u’s

You so called supporters sicken me with some of the comments you post on here.
What rob Cowling has put in place at Tiptree, the nursery beds that will keep Colchester united fc a professional self funding football league club for the future
Football loving folk of the town.
When you look back at football history most clubs have to drop a league or two to regroup and start a new chapter in their history.
Colchester are in this transition and dropping down to league 2 is going to be part of that. The appointment of Joe Dunne was finantuly the best option for the club he has been here for a number of years, knows the squad of players that Ward left, and has had to work within the restraints of the club and the football league rules.
So while relegation is painful look at it as the start of a new beginning, Rob Cowling is building our club from the roots up, the nursery beds are now in place youth training, first team places, selling the talent on will keep Colchester football club solvent and free from administration. This is the only way I can see Colchester united surviving as a professional football club going forward in the 21st century.
So take a look at the bigger picture that Rob cowling is trying to achieve, and get behind the players and Joe Dunne, his job is hard enough.
Up the u’sU'sforever

You so called supporters sicken me with some of the comments you post on here. What rob Cowling has put in place at Tiptree, the nursery beds that will keep Colchester united fc a professional self funding football league club for the future Football loving folk of the town. When you look back at football history most clubs have to drop a league or two to regroup and start a new chapter in their history. Colchester are in this transition and dropping down to league 2 is going to be part of that. The appointment of Joe Dunne was finantuly the best option for the club he has been here for a number of years, knows the squad of players that Ward left, and has had to work within the restraints of the club and the football league rules. So while relegation is painful look at it as the start of a new beginning, Rob Cowling is building our club from the roots up, the nursery beds are now in place youth training, first team places, selling the talent on will keep Colchester football club solvent and free from administration. This is the only way I can see Colchester united surviving as a professional football club going forward in the 21st century. So take a look at the bigger picture that Rob cowling is trying to achieve, and get behind the players and Joe Dunne, his job is hard enough. Up the u’s

Score: 0

the allotments says...10:40am Tue 26 Feb 13

Agree with Boris,no comments in the press,lets see what fist they make at the game tonight,then we'll know.

Agree with Boris,no comments in the press,lets see what fist they make at the game tonight,then we'll know.the allotments

Agree with Boris,no comments in the press,lets see what fist they make at the game tonight,then we'll know.

Score: 0

BlueandWhiteBaz says...2:13pm Tue 26 Feb 13

Yes U'sforever, it may keep the club going, but only in The Blue Square Premier. Magnus, we've heard it all before and we don't believe it. Strange how through these awful times Rob Cowling has remained so quiet. He knows we're going down and has been instramental in bringing it about. Signing up kids to get you out of a hole was never going to work, but it looks like he made a token gesture.

Yes U'sforever, it may keep the club going, but only in The Blue Square Premier.
Magnus, we've heard it all before and we don't believe it. Strange how through these awful times Rob Cowling has remained so quiet. He knows we're going down and has been instramental in bringing it about. Signing up kids to get you out of a hole was never going to work, but it looks like he made a token gesture.BlueandWhiteBaz

Yes U'sforever, it may keep the club going, but only in The Blue Square Premier. Magnus, we've heard it all before and we don't believe it. Strange how through these awful times Rob Cowling has remained so quiet. He knows we're going down and has been instramental in bringing it about. Signing up kids to get you out of a hole was never going to work, but it looks like he made a token gesture.

Score: 0

Eddy D says...4:50pm Tue 26 Feb 13

U'sforever wrote…

You so called supporters sicken me with some of the comments you post on here. What rob Cowling has put in place at Tiptree, the nursery beds that will keep Colchester united fc a professional self funding football league club for the future Football loving folk of the town. When you look back at football history most clubs have to drop a league or two to regroup and start a new chapter in their history. Colchester are in this transition and dropping down to league 2 is going to be part of that. The appointment of Joe Dunne was finantuly the best option for the club he has been here for a number of years, knows the squad of players that Ward left, and has had to work within the restraints of the club and the football league rules. So while relegation is painful look at it as the start of a new beginning, Rob Cowling is building our club from the roots up, the nursery beds are now in place youth training, first team places, selling the talent on will keep Colchester football club solvent and free from administration. This is the only way I can see Colchester united surviving as a professional football club going forward in the 21st century. So take a look at the bigger picture that Rob cowling is trying to achieve, and get behind the players and Joe Dunne, his job is hard enough. Up the u’s

U's forever: Well said. A good summary of the reality of the situation and acknowledgement of the "bigger picture". We may all want more than this but this is a very grounded, reasonable and realistic post.

[quote][p][bold]U'sforever[/bold] wrote:
You so called supporters sicken me with some of the comments you post on here.
What rob Cowling has put in place at Tiptree, the nursery beds that will keep Colchester united fc a professional self funding football league club for the future
Football loving folk of the town.
When you look back at football history most clubs have to drop a league or two to regroup and start a new chapter in their history.
Colchester are in this transition and dropping down to league 2 is going to be part of that. The appointment of Joe Dunne was finantuly the best option for the club he has been here for a number of years, knows the squad of players that Ward left, and has had to work within the restraints of the club and the football league rules.
So while relegation is painful look at it as the start of a new beginning, Rob Cowling is building our club from the roots up, the nursery beds are now in place youth training, first team places, selling the talent on will keep Colchester football club solvent and free from administration. This is the only way I can see Colchester united surviving as a professional football club going forward in the 21st century.
So take a look at the bigger picture that Rob cowling is trying to achieve, and get behind the players and Joe Dunne, his job is hard enough.
Up the u’s[/p][/quote]U's forever: Well said. A good summary of the reality of the situation and acknowledgement of the "bigger picture". We may all want more than this but this is a very grounded, reasonable and realistic post.Eddy D

U'sforever wrote…

You so called supporters sicken me with some of the comments you post on here. What rob Cowling has put in place at Tiptree, the nursery beds that will keep Colchester united fc a professional self funding football league club for the future Football loving folk of the town. When you look back at football history most clubs have to drop a league or two to regroup and start a new chapter in their history. Colchester are in this transition and dropping down to league 2 is going to be part of that. The appointment of Joe Dunne was finantuly the best option for the club he has been here for a number of years, knows the squad of players that Ward left, and has had to work within the restraints of the club and the football league rules. So while relegation is painful look at it as the start of a new beginning, Rob Cowling is building our club from the roots up, the nursery beds are now in place youth training, first team places, selling the talent on will keep Colchester football club solvent and free from administration. This is the only way I can see Colchester united surviving as a professional football club going forward in the 21st century. So take a look at the bigger picture that Rob cowling is trying to achieve, and get behind the players and Joe Dunne, his job is hard enough. Up the u’s

U's forever: Well said. A good summary of the reality of the situation and acknowledgement of the "bigger picture". We may all want more than this but this is a very grounded, reasonable and realistic post.

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